"I developed a national survey for composting organisations at all scales to communicate their models and accomplishments for an eventual report to the Ministry for the Environment. I contributed to literature reviews for papers on sentiment toward urban trees and myrtle rust citizen science. I also helped write a paper about Maori artists’ responses to myrtle rust and kauri dieback. I learned about circular economies, composting, and urban greening – all topics I was curious about but wasn’t exposed to in my undergrad degree. I also learned how to engage respectfully with a new cultural context. New Zealand’s bicultural identity and genuine emphasis on co-governance between Maori and Pakeha (white settlers) is unique and introduces new layers to all policy research."
Emily's Story
Emily Levenson '22, urban studies and planning major, interned in Wellington, New Zealand, over the summer of 2022 and worked on the environmental policy and governance team.
"I intend to continue working in environmental policy in New Zealand, so this internship provided me with the background knowledge, connections, and cultural context to launch that career path. It feels amazing to be in a country with a strong institutional commitment to climate change action and sustainability. Not only does this program help students like me explore beautiful places like New Zealand, but it helps build cross-cultural understanding."Emily Levenson '22
Major & Class Year
Urban Studies and Planning '22
Location
Wellington, New Zealand
MISTI Program
Internship
MISTI Host
Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research